Crispy Besan Dosa Recipe – Ajwain & Turmeric Flavored Indian Pancake

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Crispy Besan Dosa Recipe – Ajwain & Turmeric Flavored Indian Pancake

Introduction

Oh, dosas! They’re just the best, aren’t they? I remember the first time I tried making a besan dosa – it was a bit of a learning curve, but so worth it. This isn’t your typical rice and lentil dosa; it’s made with gram flour (besan) and is wonderfully crispy and flavorful. The ajwain and turmeric add a lovely warmth and a little something special. It’s perfect for a quick breakfast, a light dinner, or even a snack. You’ll absolutely love how easy and delicious this recipe is!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This besan dosa recipe is a winner for so many reasons. It’s quick to make – ready in under 20 minutes! It’s incredibly crispy and flavorful, thanks to the clever combination of ingredients. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free and easily adaptable to vegan diets. Honestly, once you try it, you’ll be making it again and again.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these delightful dosas:

• 1.5 cup besan (gram flour) – about 180g
• 0.25 cup rava (semolina) – about 30g
• 0.25 cup rice flour – about 30g
• 0.5 tsp ajwain (carom seeds)
• 0.25 tsp turmeric powder
• 0.5 tsp chilli powder (adjust to your spice preference)
• 0.75 tsp salt
• 2 cup water (480ml)
• Oil for cooking

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few little tips can make all the difference.

Besan (Gram Flour) – The Star Ingredient

Besan is the base of this dosa, giving it a lovely nutty flavor and a beautiful golden color. Make sure yours is fresh for the best taste!

Rava (Semolina) – For Extra Crispiness

Don’t skip the rava! It adds a wonderful crispiness to the dosa that you’ll really appreciate. I prefer fine rava for a smoother texture.

Rice Flour – Enhancing Texture

Rice flour helps bind the dosa and adds to the overall crispiness. You can use store-bought or make your own by grinding raw rice.

Ajwain (Carom Seeds) – Digestive Benefits & Flavor

Ajwain isn’t just about flavor; it’s also great for digestion! It adds a lovely aromatic touch to the dosa.

Turmeric – Color and Health Benefits

Turmeric gives the dosa a beautiful golden hue and is packed with health benefits. A little goes a long way!

Chilli Powder – Adjusting the Spice Level

Feel free to adjust the amount of chilli powder to suit your taste. I like a mild kick, but you can definitely add more if you prefer.

Oil – Choosing the Right Oil for Dosa

I usually use a neutral-flavored oil like sunflower or vegetable oil for making dosas. Ghee adds a lovely flavor, but it can burn easily, so keep a close eye on it.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. In a large bowl, combine the besan, rava, rice flour, ajwain, turmeric, chilli powder, and salt. Give it a good mix to ensure everything is well combined.
2. Gradually add the water while whisking continuously. You want to create a smooth batter with a thin, pourable consistency – like pancake batter. Don’t worry about a few tiny bubbles, but make sure there are no lumps!
3. Heat a dosa pan (or a flat griddle) over medium heat. Grease it very lightly with oil. A hot pan is key for a crispy dosa.
4. Pour a ladleful of batter onto the hot pan. Immediately spread it in a circular motion, creating a thin, even layer.
5. Drizzle a little oil around the edges of the dosa. Cook for a few minutes, until the bottom turns golden brown and crispy.
6. Flip the dosa carefully and cook the other side for about 30 seconds to a minute. It doesn’t need to be cooked as long on the second side.
7. Serve immediately with your favorite chutney!

Expert Tips

Want to take your besan dosa game to the next level? Here are a few tips I’ve learned over the years:

Achieving the Perfect Crispy Texture

The key to a crispy dosa is a hot pan and a thin batter. Don’t overcrowd the pan, and make sure the oil is hot before you start cooking.

Batter Consistency is Key

If the batter is too thick, the dosa will be too soft. If it’s too thin, it will be difficult to spread. Add a little water or flour as needed to adjust the consistency.

Pan Temperature Control

Medium heat is ideal. If the pan is too hot, the dosa will burn. If it’s too cold, it won’t get crispy.

Variations

Let’s get creative!

Vegan Besan Dosa

This recipe is already pretty close to vegan! Just ensure the oil you use is plant-based.

Gluten-Free Besan Dosa (Naturally Gluten-Free!)

Good news! This recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for those with dietary restrictions.

Spice Level Adjustment – Mild, Medium, Hot

Adjust the amount of chilli powder to your liking. For a milder dosa, use ¼ tsp. For a spicier kick, use ¾ tsp or even 1 tsp.

Festival Adaptations – Navratri & Vrat-Friendly

During Navratri or other fasting periods, you can make this dosa using sendha namak (rock salt) instead of regular salt.

Serving Suggestions

Besan dosa is delicious on its own, but it’s even better with some accompaniments! I love serving it with:

• Coconut chutney
• Tomato chutney
• Sambar
• Mint-coriander chutney

Storage Instructions

Leftover batter can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. You might need to add a little water to thin it out before using.

FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers!

What is the best way to prevent the dosa from sticking to the pan?

Make sure the pan is well-heated and lightly greased with oil. A non-stick pan also helps!

Can I make the batter ahead of time? If so, how long can it be stored?

Yes, you can! Store the batter in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

What chutneys pair best with Besan Dosa?

Coconut chutney and tomato chutney are classic pairings. Mint-coriander chutney also works beautifully.

Can I use a non-stick pan for making this dosa?

Yes, absolutely! A non-stick pan makes it easier to flip the dosa and prevents sticking.

What is the purpose of adding ajwain to the dosa batter?

Ajwain adds a lovely flavor and aroma, and it’s also known for its digestive properties. It just elevates the whole experience!